1. I’ve fallen back in love with London. Miranda introduced me to the lovely Quo Vadis in Soho, which showed me that sophisticated restaurants are within my price range. My friend Emma took me to Somerset House to see this lovely photography exhibition. This showed me that I forget how many brilliant galleries there are to visit, and need to stop going to the same ones all the time (though I’ll be going back to Somerset House to see this in November). I finally made it to Sir John Soane’s Museum, which was magnificent and a real hidden gem. Miranda reminded me that Lamb’s Conduit Street is more than just Persephone Books by showing me Ben Pentreath and The French House, two gorgeous shops that sell beautiful and affordable home goods. I walked along the river in the Autumnal twilight after a lovely meal at Wahaca and a browse at the Southbank Book Market and felt all weak at the knees at the twinkling of the lamps along the Embankment and the shadowy silhouette of the Houses of Parliament. Why did I ever want to move? I am a silly girl.
2. I am really looking forward to Persephone’s new releases for the Autumn. I read Enid Bagnold’s The Squire many years ago before I started blogging, and thought it was an absolutely beautiful book, with such luscious prose. I can’t wait to read it again. Incidentally, I do think Enid Bagnold is rather an underrated novelist. Aside from National Velvet, she wrote some wonderful books. The best I have read is Diary without Dates; a truly eye opening account of her time as a VAD nurse during WWI – and it’s free on Project Gutenberg!
3. I saw the trailer for the new series of Downton Abbey this weekend. Obviously it won’t be the same without Cousin Matthew and his gorgeous eyes, but I feel this is the series for Lady Edith to SHINE. I have my fingers crossed for some spinster shenanigans and some amazing flapper dresses. Let’s hope that Julian Fellowes really has upped his game this time!
4. I want to go and see this fascinating sounding photography exhibition, showing pictures taken by civilians during the 30s for the Mass Observation project. It’s reminded me that I really need to read Vere Hodgson’s Few Eggs and No Oranges, which has been sitting on my shelf for far too long.
5. I am getting into The Great British Bake Off spirit by flexing my baking muscles. I have been the toast of the staffroom with this delicious cake – super easy and very delicious!